Masaai (Masai)
The Maasai (Masai) are as far as known the original habitants of Kenya and nothern Tanzania. It's an indigenous African ethnic group of semi-nomadic people. Because they still have their age-old distinctive customs and dresses and because they residence near the many game parcs of East Africa, they are among the most well known of African ethnic groups.
Although the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments have instituted programs to encourage the Maasai to abandon their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle, mainly to protect the parcs and reserves, the people have continued their age-old customs. The government interventions have been planned without involvement of the Masaai themselves and make their lives even more difficult.
In the last years a number of projects have been started to support the Masaai in maintaining their traditional lifestyle without withholding the children a modern education. One of these ways is to sell their beautiful and remarkable bead-art and traditional clothing.
Clothing
Masaai clothing varies by age, sex, and place. However, red is a favored color. Blue, black, striped, and checkered cloth are also worn, as are multicolored African designs. The Maasai began to replace animal-skin, calf-hides and sheep skin, with commercial cloths in the 1960s.
Many Masaai still wear their traditional clothing in the villages, even if they have a responsible job in the city. The traditional outfit consists of 'shuka' (sheets), sandals and an 'o-rinka' (a wooden club).
One piece garments known as kanga, a swahili term, are also common. Maasai living near the coast may wear kikoi, a type of sarong that comes in many different colors and fabrics. However, the preferred style is stripes.
Both men and women wear wooden bracelets. The Maasai women regularly weave and bead jewelery. This bead work plays an essential part in the ornamentation of their bodies. Although there are variations in the meaning of the color of the beads, some general meanings for a few colors are:
- Red : warrior/blood/bravery
- White: peace
- Blue: water
Beadworking, done by women, has a long history among the Maasai, who articulate their identity and position in society through body ornaments and body painting. Before contact with Europeans beads were produced mostly from local raw materials. Currently, dense, opaque glass beads with no surface decoration and a naturally smooth finish and a more elaborate color scheme are preferred.
In the webshop you will be able to purchase some items of this well-known bead-art. Since all of the products are unique, there might be a variation of colors and design. By purchasing the beadwork you wll support the masaai in keeping their traditional life-style.
